Memphis: Haunted Walking Ghost Tour & Ernestine Hazel's Bar

Summary

Ghost stories, haunted bars, and Memphis after dark

You’ll trace Memphis’ haunted past on foot with a local guide, from ghostly tales at the Orpheum Theater to voodoo legends near Morris Cemetery. Step inside Ernestine & Hazel’s bar (if you dare) and listen for whispers of history in every creaky floorboard. Expect chills, laughs, and a new way of seeing South Main after dark.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I didn’t expect to get goosebumps before we even left the sidewalk. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of pausing just long enough outside the Orpheum Theater that you started to wonder if that little girl Mary was actually watching us from somewhere up in the dark windows. The streetlights flickered a bit (or maybe that was just my nerves), and someone behind me whispered they could smell popcorn even though the theater was closed. It’s funny what your mind does when you’re listening for ghosts.

We wandered down South Main with Marcus weaving stories about old murders and loves gone wrong — he pointed out the John Alexander Austin House and told us about those star-crossed lovers. The house looked harmless enough in daylight, but at dusk it felt like it was holding its breath. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder more than once, especially when he got into the voodoo stories near Morris Cemetery. There’s something about hearing those tales right where they happened — you can almost feel the city’s history pressing in around you.

The highlight for me was stepping inside Ernestine & Hazel’s. It smells like old wood and fried onions, and there’s this jukebox that supposedly picks songs on its own (I didn’t see it move but… who knows). Marcus let us wander upstairs where the floor creaked under every step — I swear I heard faint laughter from one of the empty rooms but maybe that was just someone downstairs. Either way, I still think about that place every time I hear an old soul song now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted Memphis walking ghost tour

• Visit Orpheum Theater and see Mary
• View haunted Victorian love story site
• Enter Ernestine & Hazel's haunted brothel
• See haunted gangster's hideout outside
• Explore voodoo and hoodoo locations
• Visit site of Morris Cemetery

Top questions

How long is the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Does the tour go inside any buildings?

You’ll go inside Ernestine & Hazel’s bar (Wednesday-Sunday only); other stops are viewed from outside.

Is there a local guide on this ghost tour?

Yes, a local storyteller leads the guided walking tour.

Where does the Haunted Memphis Ghost Tour take place?

The tour explores Memphis’ South Main Historic District.

Are children allowed on this walking ghost tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

How far do we walk during the tour?

The route covers about 2 miles on public sidewalks with some elevation changes.

Can I stay at Ernestine & Hazel’s after the tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to remain at Ernestine & Hazel’s after the tour ends.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walking tour led by a local storyteller through Memphis’ South Main Historic District with stops outside haunted landmarks and entry into Ernestine & Hazel’s bar (Wednesday-Sunday). Local taxes are also covered in your booking.